Decorative paneling system for wall and method of installation

ABSTRACT

A decorative paneling system for walls comprises a lower crosspiece adapted to be positioned at a bottom of a wall. The lower crosspiece defines a longitudinal channel on a top edge surface thereof. Main panels each have a bottom portion shaped so as to be received in the longitudinal channel of the crosspieces, so as to be slidable with respect to the lower crosspiece. Posts each have a bottom portion shaped so as to be received in the longitudinal channel of the crosspiece, so as to be slidable with respect to the lower crosspiece, and lateral edge portions connectable to lateral edges portions of the main panels in a decorative configuration of the decorative paneling system. A sequence of main panels and posts is received in the longitudinal channel of the lower crosspiece and adjusted in position to the decorative configuration by a translation with respect to the lower crosspiece, so as to form a decorative paneling for the wall. A method for determining a number of crosspiece, post and panel elements is also provided. An adjustable post is also provided.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This patent application claims priority on U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/558,984, filed on Apr. 5, 2004, by the present Applicant.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to paneling for walls and, more particularly, to a wainscot paneling system and a method of installation.

2. Background Art

Wainscot is a popular decorative paneling system, by which wood planks of various sizes and shapes are installed on a wall from the floor upwardly, to bring wooden ornamentation to the wall of a room. Wainscot brings the rich look of wood to a wall.

The installation of wainscot to a wall involves a substantial amount of craftsmanship. More specifically, wainscot is an expensive decorative solution, as it is typically customized to a consumer's taste by a craftsman. Various pieces and manpower are required in order to install wainscot on a wall. Permanent fasteners are also used in wainscoting, whereby the wainscot becomes a permanent decorative item.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

It is an aim of the present invention to provide a novel decorative wall paneling system.

It is a further aim of the present invention to provide a decorative paneling system that addresses issues of the prior art.

It is a still further aim of the present invention to provide a method for selling panels of a decorative wall paneling system adapted to a purchaser's personalized needs.

Therefore, in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a decorative paneling system for walls, comprising a lower crosspiece adapted to be positioned at a bottom of a wall, the lower crosspiece defining a longitudinal channel on a top edge surface thereof; main panels each having a bottom portion shaped so as to be received in the longitudinal channel of the crosspieces, so as to be slidable with respect to the lower crosspiece; and posts each having a bottom portion shaped so as to be received in the longitudinal channel of the crosspiece, so as to be slidable with respect to the lower crosspiece, and lateral edge portions connectable to lateral edges portions of the main panels in a decorative configuration of the decorative paneling system; whereby a sequence of main panels and posts is received in the longitudinal channel of the lower crosspiece and adjusted in position to the decorative configuration by a translation with respect to the lower crosspiece, so as to form a decorative paneling for the wall.

Further in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method for determining a number of crosspiece, post and panel elements of a decorative paneling system required to cover a wall section, comprising the steps of: calculating a number of crosspiece elements as a function of the width of wall section to cover; determining a number of panel elements by dividing the width of the wall section by an assembly constant associated to a width of the panel elements; and obtaining a number of post elements required as a function of the number of panels.

Still further in accordance with the present invention, there is provided an adjustable post for a decorative paneling system for walls of the type having crosspieces, main panels and posts, comprising a panel body cuttable vertically to a required width; a bottom connector portion on a full width of the bottom edge of the panel body adapted to be connected to a lower crosspiece; a first lateral connector portion on a first lateral edge of the panel body for connection with an adjacent main panel/post; and a second lateral connector portion on a second lateral edge of the main panel body, for connection with another adjacent main panel/post in the event that the panel body is cut to define a pair of adjustable subposts of required width.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of walls having a decorative paneling system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the decorative paneling system of FIG. 1, as assembled;

FIG. 3A is a side elevation view, enlarged, of a female connector edge of a lower crosspiece of the decorative paneling system of FIG. 2;

FIG. 3B is a perspective view, fragmented, of the lower crosspiece;

FIG. 4A is a side elevation view, enlarged, of a male connector end of a central post of the decorative paneling system of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the central post;

FIG. 4C is a side elevation view of the central post;

FIG. 4D is a top plan view, enlarged, of a female connector edge of the central post;

FIG. 5A is a side elevation view, enlarged, of an edge of a main panel of the decorative paneling system;

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the main panel;

FIG. 5C is a side elevation view of the main panel;

FIG. 6A is a side elevation view of a male connector edge of an adjustable post of the decorative paneling system of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the adjustable post;

FIG. 6C is a front elevation view of the adjustable post;

FIG. 6D is a top plan view of a female connector edge of the adjustable post;

FIG. 7A is a side elevation view, enlarged, of a female connector edge of an upper crosspiece of the decorative paneling system of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7B is a perspective view, fragmented, of the upper crosspiece in accordance with a first configuration;

FIG. 7C is a perspective view, fragmented, of the upper crosspiece in accordance with a second configuration;

FIG. 8A is a perspective view illustrating a step of installing the lower crosspiece of the decorative paneling system to a wall;

FIG. 8B is a perspective view illustrating a step of installing an alternating sequence of the central post and the main panel;

FIG. 8C is a perspective view illustrating a step of installing the adjustable post to the decorative paneling system of FIG. 2;

FIG. 8D is a perspective view illustrating a step of installing a plinth and an upper crosspiece cover;

FIG. 8E is a perspective view illustrating steps of installing outer and inner corner covers;

FIG. 8F is a perspective view illustrating a step of installing a top trim to the decorative paneling system of FIG. 2; and

FIG. 9 is a layout installation chart for installation of the decorative paneling system of FIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2, a decorative paneling system in accordance with the present invention is generally shown at 10. The decorative paneling system 10 is also referred to as “wainscot.” The decorative paneling system 10 has lower crosspieces 13, central posts 14, main panels 15, adjustable posts 16, and upper crosspiece 17. As best seen in FIG. 1, the decorative paneling system 10 may be provided with various sizes of main panel 15 (e.g., height, width). More specifically, in FIG. 1, there is illustrated the main panel 15, as well as main panels 15A and 15B, of smaller width.

The decorative paneling system 10 will initially be described, followed by a description of these components for the assembly of the system 10 into a decorative configuration. A contemplated method for selling the decorative paneling system 10 will also be described.

Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the lower crosspiece 13 is shown having an elongated vertically positioned rectangularly shaped body 30. The body 30 has an exposed surface 31 and a hidden surface 32. The exposed surface 31 and the hidden surface 32 are separated by vertical edge surfaces 33 (only one of which is shown in FIG. 3B), and by a bottom edge surface 34 and a female connector edge 35 facing upwardly. The illustrated vertical edge surface 33 and the bottom edge surface 34 are generally flat. The female connector edge 35 defines a longitudinal channel 36, of rectangular cross section.

Holes 37 are provided in the illustrated vertical edge surface 33, so as to receive connectors (e.g., connector pegs) for interconnecting lower crosspieces 13 end to end. An opposed vertical edge surface (not visible) is provided with a complementary connector configuration, such as a channel or corresponding peg holes.

Referring to FIGS. 4A to 4D, the central post 14 is shown having an upstanding elongated rectangularly shaped body 40. The body 40 has an exposed surface 41 and a hidden surface 42. The exposed surface 41 and the hidden surface 42 are separated from one another by edge surfaces 43 at top and bottom ends of the body 40, and female connector edges 44 at the sides of the body 40. As best seen in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the edge surfaces 43 define a generally flat surface from which protrude connectors, such as connector pegs 45. As best seen in FIGS. 4B and 4D, the female connector edges 44 each have a longitudinal channel 46. It is pointed out that the connector pegs 45 of the central post 14 have a shape complementary to the longitudinal channel 36 (FIG. 3A) of the lower crosspiece 13 so as to be received therein. Moreover, the longitudinal channel 46 of the central post 14 generally has the same cross-sectional shape as the longitudinal channel 36 of the lower crosspiece 13.

Referring to FIGS. 5A to 5C, the main panel 15 is shown having a rectangularly shaped body 50. The body 50 has an exposed surface 51 and a hidden surface 52. The exposed surface 51 typically has some ornamentation, molding and/or shaping. For instance, in FIGS. 5A to 5C, the exposed surface 51 has a protruding surface portion 53 with sloping periphery 54. The exposed surface 51 is separated from the hidden surface 52 by flat edge surfaces 55 of the body 50. The flat edge surfaces 55 form a square edge portion to be received in the longitudinal channel 36 of the lower crosspiece 13 (FIGS. 3A and 3B) and in the longitudinal channels 46 of the central post 14 (FIGS. 4A to 4D).

Referring to FIGS. 6A to 6D, the adjustable post 16 is shown having an upstanding elongated rectangularly shaped body 60. The body 60 has an exposed surface 61 and a hidden surface 62. The exposed surface and the hidden surface 62 are separated by male connector edge surfaces 63 at top and bottom ends thereof, and by female connector edges 64, on opposed vertical sides thereof. It is pointed out that the male connector edges 63 each have a plurality of holes 66 for receiving connectors, such as connector peg 67, that are shaped so as to be received in the longitudinal channel 36 of the lower crosspiece 13 (FIGS. 3A and 3B). Moreover, the female connector edge 64 is shaped so as to receive an edge of the main panel 15.

Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, an upper crosspiece 17 is shown having an elongated horizontal rectangularly shaped body 70 having an exposed surface 71 and a hidden surface 72. The exposed surface 71 is separated from the hidden surface 72 by vertical edge surfaces 73, a top edge surface 74 and a female connector edge 75 facing downwardly. The female connector edge 75 defines a longitudinal channel 76 of rectangular cross section. The longitudinal channel 76 is shaped so as to receive an edge 55 of the main panel 15, the lip 45 of the central post 14, and the lip 66 of the adjustable post 16.

In FIG. 7C, another configuration of the upper crosspiece 17 is shown, in which the top edge surface 74′ has a longitudinal channel 77, for connection of moldings or for another row of main panels 15 and posts 14 and 16.

The lip/channel configuration is preferably used to interconnect the main panels of the decorative paneling system 10 to posts and crosspieces. The central posts 14 and/or the adjustable posts 16 are provided with pegs or dowel pins. As described previously, the pegs or dowel pins are then received in the channels of the adjacent panels. This represents a cost-effective solution.

Now that the various components of the decorative paneling system 10 have been described, a preferred installation thereof on a wall will be described.

Referring to FIG. 8A, the lower crosspiece 13 is initially installed on a wall W. For instance, an adhesive, such as silicone, a glue or the like, is deposited on the hidden surface 32 of the lower crosspiece 13, which is then pressed against the wall W so as to remain in position thereagainst. It may be required that lower crosspieces 13 be put end to end in the event that the wall W is too long for a single lower crosspiece 13. In such a case, connector pegs in the holes 37 (FIG. 3B) are used to connect crosspieces end to end. Alternatively, other fasteners such as nails or other suitable mechanical fasteners may be used. In the event that mechanical fasteners are used, it is suggested to position these fasteners where they will be hidden, for instance, by moldings (e.g., reversed ogee, plinth).

Thereafter, a sequence of central post 14 (with suitable connector pegs 45) and main panel 15 are positioned side by side with respective exposed surfaces 41 and 51 facing away from the wall W, using connectors 18 (FIG. 8A). It is suggested to start from a central portion of the wall W, with a main panel 15 if an odd number of panels 15 (with respect to the sequence of central posts 14 and main panels 15) fit on the wall W, or with a central post 14 is an even number of panels fit on the wall W (again with respect to the sequence). It is pointed out that a method for determining how many central posts 14 and main panels 15 are required is described hereinafter. More specifically, it is the connector pegs 45 of the central post 14, and one of the edges 55 of the main panel 15, that are received in the longitudinal channel 36 of the lower crosspiece 13.

Referring to FIG. 8B, the central posts 14 and the main panels 15 are in a side-by-side relationship, with one of the edges 55 of the main panel 15 being received in one of the longitudinal channels 46 of the central post 14.

Referring to FIGS. 8B and 8C, the central posts 14 and main panel 15 are typically installed on the wall W such that the sequence of central post 14 and main panel 15 stops at the main panel 15 adjacent to an end of the wall W, with a gap between the main panel 15 and the adjacent intersection of walls, which gap is too small to be breached by a central post 14. Accordingly, an adjustable post 16 is used to finish the decorative paneling. More specifically, the adjustable post 16 is cut to a required width so as to coincide with the adjacent intersection of walls, and connector pegs 67 (FIG. 6A) are received in the holes 66 (FIGS. 6B and 6C) for connection of the adjustable post 16 to the lower crosspiece 13 and upper crosspiece 17.

The adjustable post 16 is connected to the adjacent main panel 15 by a free edge 55 of the main panel 15 being received in the female connector edge 64 of the adjustable post 16. Alternatively, nails and other suitable fasteners may be used, for instance, in portions of the panels 15 and posts 14 and 16 that will not be visible, e.g., hidden by moldings, once the complete decorative paneling system 10 is installed.

Referring to FIG. 8D, the upper crosspiece 17 is installed thereafter. More specifically, the longitudinal channel 76 of the upper crosspiece 17 will host the exposed edges 55 of the main panels 15, as well as the connector pegs 45 of the central posts 14 and the connector pegs 67 of the adjustable post 16, which are jointly paneling the wall W.

If desired, nails (or other suitable fasteners) may be used to secure the upper crosspiece 17 to the panels 15 and posts 14 and 16, and to the wall W. As various moldings will be positioned on the upper crosspiece 17, it is contemplated to use mechanical fasteners in locations that will be hidden by the moldings. If only connectors 18 are used to form the paneling of the wall W from the lower crosspiece 13, the paneling system 10 may be disassembled. Alternatively, a new row of panels 15 and posts 14/16 could be installed from the longitudinal channel 77 (FIG. 7C).

Referring to FIGS. 8D, 8E and 8F, various decorative pieces may be used to cover the lower crosspiece 13 (plinth 88), the upper crosspiece 17 (upper crosspiece cover 89) and corners, such as corner covers 90 and 91, as well as top molding 92. Such decorative pieces are secured to a remainder of the paneling system 10 by way of an adhesive or mechanical fasteners. Alternatively, the panels 13, 14, 16 and 17 may each be preshaped to incorporate moldings. The panels 13 to 17, and additional decorative pieces, are preferably veneer panels, of different varieties of wood and of various wood grain. The panels 13 to 17 may be painted or varnished to provide a customized appearance to the decorative paneling system 10.

It is contemplated to sell the panels of the above-mentioned decorative paneling system 10 in individual pieces. More specifically, stacks of the lower crosspiece 13, the central post 14, the main panel 15, the adjustable post 16, the upper crosspiece 17, as well as other components, may be available to the consumer, in addition to connectors 18. As mentioned previously, the main panel 15 preferably comes in various widths.

It is pointed out that the only information required for a user person to know the number of crosspieces 13 and 17, panels 15 and posts 14 and 16 required, is the width of the total layout to be covered by the decorative paneling system.

Referring to FIG. 9, a layout installation chart is generally shown at 100, and is typically provided in situ (or on a take-home pamphlet) to allow a user person to calculate the number of pieces of the decorative paneling system are required to cover a wall.

In step A), the number of crosspieces 13 and 17 required is calculated. More specifically, the width of the total layout is divided by the width of a single crosspiece. As shown at A1, the quotient is preferably rounded off to the superior value, as it is contemplated to provide only full-length crosspieces 13 and 17.

In steps B), C) and D) of the layout installation chart 100, the number of central posts 14, panels 15 and adjustable posts 16 is calculated for each section of the layout. More specifically, if the layout has two walls to be covered with the decorative paneling system 10, it is suggested that both walls be considered individually.

In step B), a width of the section is divided by an assembly constant. The assembly constant is provided as a function of the size of the main panels used. For instance, in the layout installation chart 100 illustrated in FIG. 9, main panel widths of 8, 12 and 16 inches are provided, with associated assembly constants.

In step B), the quotient is rounded off to the inferior value, so as to indicate the number of main panels 15 required.

In step D), the rounded-off value of step B) is subtracted by 1, so as to provide the number of central posts 14 required.

In step C), decimal points of the quotient of step B) are remultiplied by the assembly constant (associated with the main panel width). Further operations are effected, so as to determine whether one or two adjustable posts 17 are required.

Therefore, by way of the layout installation chart 100, a user person can calculate the number of crosspieces 13 and 17, central posts 14, main panels 15 and adjustable posts 16 required for the assembly of the decorative paneling system 10, as described above.

It is pointed out that the adjustable post 16 is configured so as to be separated into a pair of pieces in instances where the gap between the sequence of posts 14/main panels 15 and the walls is small. As shown in FIGS. 6B and 6C, the adjustable post 16 is provided with a pair of female connector edges 64 in view of being cut into two adjustable posts. The holes 66 are provided on the full male connector edges 63 in view of such a use.

It is pointed out that the width of the adjustable posts 16 needs to be at most half of the width of the largest main panel 15. More specifically, if the gap between main panels 15 and the wall on both sides of the section is greater than half of the width of a main panel 15, it means that another main panel 15 could be inserted in the sequence of posts 14/main panels 15.

It is within the ambit of the present invention to cover any obvious modifications of the embodiments described herein, provided such modifications fall within the scope of the appended claims. 

1. A decorative paneling system for walls, comprising: a lower crosspiece adapted to be positioned at a bottom of a wall, the lower crosspiece defining a longitudinal channel on a top edge surface thereof; main panels each having a bottom portion shaped so as to be received in the longitudinal channel of the crosspieces, so as to be slidable with respect to the lower crosspiece; and posts each having a bottom portion shaped so as to be received in the longitudinal channel of the crosspiece, so as to be slidable with respect to the lower crosspiece, and lateral edge portions connectable to lateral edges portions of the main panels in a decorative configuration of the decorative paneling system; whereby a sequence of main panels and posts is received in the longitudinal channel of the lower crosspiece and adjusted in position to the decorative configuration by a translation with respect to the lower crosspiece, so as to form a decorative paneling for the wall.
 2. The decorative paneling system according to claim 1, wherein the posts each have a vertical channel in each of the lateral edge portion for accommodating a lateral edge portion of an adjacent main panel.
 3. The decorative paneling system according to claim 1, wherein the bottom portion of the posts has pegs sized so as to be received in the longitudinal channel of the crosspiece.
 4. The decorative paneling system according to claim 1, further comprising adjustable posts each having a bottom portion shaped so as to be received in the longitudinal channel of the crosspiece, so as to be slidable with respect to the lower crosspiece, at least one lateral edge portion connectable to a lateral edge portions of an adjacent main panel/post, and a cuttable body so as to be adjusted in width to fit between said adjacent main panel/post and an adjacent wall.
 5. The decorative paneling system according to claim 1, further comprising an upper crosspiece having a bottom longitudinal channel for being connected to upper portions of main panels and posts.
 6. The decorative paneling system according to claim 5, wherein the upper crosspiece has an upper longitudinal panel for supporting another row of main panels and posts.
 7. A method for determining a number of crosspiece, post and panel elements of a decorative paneling system required to cover a wall section, comprising the steps of: calculating a number of crosspiece elements as a function of the width of wall section to cover; determining a number of panel elements by dividing the width of the wall section by an assembly constant associated to a width of the panel elements; and obtaining a number of post elements required as a function of the number of panels.
 8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the step of determining a number of panel elements is performed by dividing the width of the wall section by the assembly constant and rounding off the quotient to an inferior value;
 9. The method according to claim 7, wherein the step of obtaining a number of post elements is performed by subtracting a value of one from the number of panel elements.
 10. The method according to claim 7, further comprising a step of determining a number of adjustable posts required by calculating an uncovered width of wall section by the post elements and panel elements, and comparing the uncovered width with a dimension of the adjustable post.
 11. The method according to claim 7, wherein all steps are performed at the purchasing site.
 14. An adjustable post for a decorative paneling system for walls of the type having crosspieces, main panels and posts, comprising: a panel body cuttable vertically to a required width; a bottom connector portion on a full width of the bottom edge of the panel body adapted to be connected to a lower crosspiece; a first lateral connector portion on a first lateral edge of the panel body for connection with an adjacent main panel/post; and a second lateral connector portion on a second lateral edge of the main panel body, for connection with another adjacent main panel/post in the event that the panel body is cut to define a pair of adjustable subposts of required width.
 15. The adjustable post according to claim 14, wherein a width of the adjustable is at most half of a largest model of main panel.
 16. The adjustable post according to claim 14, wherein the first and second lateral connection portions are longitudinal channels.
 17. The adjustable post according to claim 14, wherein the bottom connector portion is a plurality of holes with pegs receivable in the holes.
 18. The adjustable post according to claim 14, further comprising an upper connection portion so as to be connected to an upper crosspiece. 